Antiviral method

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a method of inactivating non-enveloped virus particles. The method includes the step of contacting the virus with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition that includes an alcohol, and enhancers selected from cationic oligomers and polymers, proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/366,506, filed on Feb. 6, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.No. 8,119,115, filed on Aug. 7, 2006, which claims priority from U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/771,744, filed on Feb. 9,2006, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method for inactivating non-envelopedviruses. The invention provides a method for producing a topicalvirucidal effect on mammalian skin against non-enveloped virus. A methodfor enhancing the efficacy of alcohol against non-enveloped viruses isalso provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Skin disinfectants containing one or more lower alcohols are widelyknown. Disinfectants containing at least about 50 weight percent alcoholexhibit antibacterial efficacy, however the antiviral efficacy of thesealcohol disinfectants depends upon the type of virus.

Pathogenic viruses can be classified into two general types with respectto the viral structure: enveloped viruses and non-enveloped viruses.Some well known enveloped viruses include herpes virus, influenza virus;paramyxovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, corona virus, HIV, hepatitisB virus, hepatitis C virus, SARS-CoV, and toga virus. Non-envelopedviruses, sometimes referred to as “naked” viruses, include the familiesPicornaviridae, Reoviridae, Caliciviridae, Adenoviridae andParvoviridae. Members of these families include rhinovirus, poliovirus,adenovirus, hepatitis A virus, norovirus, papillomavirus, and rotavirus.

It is known in the art that “enveloped” viruses are relatively sensitiveand, thus, can be inactivated by commonly used disinfectants. Incontrast, non-enveloped viruses are substantially more resistant toconventional disinfectants and are more environmentally stable thanenveloped viruses. Although a number of non-enveloped viruses can beinactivated with relatively high concentrations of formaldehyde, the useof formaldehyde is undesirable because of its toxicity.

The antiviral efficacy of acid-containing disinfectants, and ofdisinfectants having an acidic pH, depends upon the type of virus. A fewnon-enveloped viruses, namely rhinovirus, feline calicivirus, and caninecalicivirus, are believed to be at least somewhat affected by acid. SeeVirus Taxonomy: VIIIth Report of the International Committee On Taxonomyof Viruses, Elsevier Science & Technology Books, ISBN 0122499514, 2005,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. At least onereference suggests that a pH of less than 5 will provide efficacyagainst rhinovirus, and other acid labile viruses.

However, many non-enveloped viruses are known to be stable at an acidpH. These include Hepatitis A, Poliovirus, Coxsackievirus, Echovirus,Enterovirus, Adenovirus, Rotavirus, Parvovirus, Papillomavirus, andNorovirus. Thus, while acid-containing disinfectants have been reportedto have some antiviral efficacy against, for example, rhinovirus, theyhave insufficient efficacy against other non-enveloped viruses. That is,the efficacy of these acidic disinfectants is narrow and limited.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,417 teaches a hand disinfectant that contains from50 to 60 volume percent lower alcohol, a C₃₋₅ diol, and a synergistselected from hydrogen peroxide, alkane sulfonates, and salts ofthiocyanic acid.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,133 teaches a hand lotion containing a C₁₋₆ alcohol,malic acid, and citric acid that, when applied frequently, is assertedto prevent hand-to-hand transmission of rhinoviruses. The lotion wasapplied to finger pads and dried. A viral suspension was applied to thesame finger pads and allowed to dry for ten to fifteen minutes. Thefinger pads were rinsed, and a viral titration determined that therhinovirus had been eradicated.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,043,357 teaches virucidal composition containing atleast 70 weight percent ethanol and/or propanol, and from 1-5 weightpercent of a short-chain organic acid. The virucidal composition isstated to have broad spectrum antiviral efficacy after periods oftreatment of at least 1 to 2 minutes. The skin to be disinfected mustfirst be treated to remove skin fats before the antiviral composition isapplied.

U.S. Pub. App. No. 2002/0165278 A1 teaches a method for inactivatingviruses comprising contacting the virus with a virucidally effectiveamount of a composition consisting essentially of a dilute aqueoussolution of from 0.2 to 13 volume percent C₁₋₃ monohydroxy alcohol or aC₂₋₄ diol, and a sufficient amount of acid to adjust the pH to below4.6. At these relatively low levels of alcohol, this composition wouldnot be expected to have rapid antibacterial efficacy.

U.S. Pub. App. No. 2005/105070 A1 teaches an aqueous antimicrobialcomposition stated to have antiviral efficacy against rhinovirus,rotavirus, coronovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. The compositionincludes up to 70% of an organic acid and up to 40% of a specificshort-chain anionic surfactant having at least one of a largehydrophilic head group, a branched alkyl chain, or an unsaturated alkylchain. The composition was tested for antiviral efficacy for periods offrom 1 to 10 minutes. These relatively high levels of acid and anionicsurfactant would be expected to be irritating to the skin, and would notbe suitable for leave-on type antiviral products.

U.S. Pub. App. No. 2004/101726 A1 teaches a composition comprising from10 to 30 volume % alcohol, from 10 to 30 volume % of a long-chain alkylpolyamine, and a halogen, such as iodine. The composition is stated tohave antiviral efficacy, and was tested against poliovirus for periodsof from 5 to 60 minutes. No testing of other non-enveloped viruses wasreported. Also, there was no indication of contact periods of less than5 minutes.

International Pub. App. No. WO 2001/28340 teaches an antimicrobialcomposition stated to have antiviral efficacy, although no test data wasreported. The composition comprises a dicarboxylic acid, a metal salt,and a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Suitable metal salts includethose of metals of Group I, II, IIIA, IV, VIB, VIII, rare earthcompounds, and combinations thereof.

None of the aforementioned publications teaches methods that have broad,fast efficacy against non-enveloped viruses. Each is either limited inits spectrum of antiviral activity or requires long contact times.Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method that achieves a highlevel of inactivation of non-enveloped virus particles in a short amountof time. A need continues to exist for a method for rapidly inactivatingmost, if not all, viruses. Furthermore, a need exists for alcoholiccompositions that have bacteriocidal and virucidal efficacy and may beused topically against a broad spectrum of enveloped and non-envelopedviruses. In addition, there is a need for an antiviral composition thatdoes not require toxic, regulated, or sensitizing components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention provides a method of inactivating non-enveloped virusparticles, the method comprising contacting non-enveloped virusparticles with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition comprising aC₁₋₆ alcohol, and an efficacy-enhancing amount of one or more enhancersselected from the group consisting of cationic oligomers and polymers,proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof, with the provisothat when the alcoholic composition comprises a proton donor, thecomposition further comprises a synergistic amount of a cationicoligomer or polymer.

The invention further provides a method of producing a topical virucidaleffect on mammalian skin against non-enveloped virus by applying avirucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition comprising a C₁₋₆ alcohol,and an efficacy-enhancing amount of one or more enhancers selected fromthe group consisting of cationic oligomers and polymers, proton donors,chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof, with the proviso that when thealcoholic composition comprises a proton donor, the composition furthercomprises a synergistic amount of a cationic oligomer or polymer.

The invention still further provides a method of enhancing the efficacyof a C₁₋₆ alcohol against non-enveloped virus in a topical applicationto a surface, the method comprising combining said C₁₋₆ alcohol with anefficacy-enhancing amount of an enhancer selected from the groupconsisting of cationic oligomers and polymers, proton donors, chaotropicagents, and mixtures thereof, to form an antiviral composition, with theproviso that where the antiviral composition comprises a proton donor,the composition further comprises a synergistic amount of a cationicoligomer or polymer.

The invention further provides a virucidally-enhanced alcoholiccomposition comprising a C₁₋₆ alcohol; and an efficacy-enhancing amountof an enhancer selected from the group consisting of cationic oligomersand polymers, proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof,with the proviso that where the alcoholic composition comprises a protondonor, the composition further comprises a synergistic amount of acationic oligomer or polymer, wherein said virucidal compositionexhibits an efficacy against non-enveloped viruses that is higher thanthe efficacy of the same composition but not comprising said enhancer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a method of inactivating non-envelopedvirus particles. In one embodiment, the antiviral method has rapidantiviral efficacy against non-enveloped viruses including members ofthe families Picornaviridae, Reoviridae, Caliciviridae, Adenoviridae andParvoviridae. More specifically, in certain embodiments, the antiviralmethod has rapid antiviral efficacy against non-enveloped viruses suchas rhinovirus, poliovirus, adenovirus, norovirus, papillomavirus, felinecalicivirus, hepatitis A virus, parvovirus, and rotavirus. In one ormore embodiments, the antiviral method has rapid antiviral efficacyagainst adenovirus, norovirus, papillomavirus, feline calicivirus,hepatitis A virus, parvovirus, and rotavirus. Advantageously, theantiviral method has rapid antiviral efficacy against papillomavirus,feline calicivirus, hepatitis A virus, and parvovirus.

In certain embodiments, the antiviral method of the present invention isalso effective in killing gram negative and gram positive bacteria,fungi, parasites, and enveloped viruses. More specifically, in certainembodiments the antiviral method has rapid anti-bacterial efficacyagainst gram positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus, and against gramnegative bacteria such as Escherichia coli. In these or otherembodiments, the present method has rapid efficacy against fungi such asAspergillus. In one or more embodiments, the present method has efficacyagainst enveloped viruses such as herpes and influenza.

The antiviral method includes contacting the virus with an antiviralcomposition. The physical form of the antiviral composition is notparticularly limited, and in one or more embodiments, the compositionmay be presented as a liquid that is poured, pumped, sprayed, orotherwise dispensed, a gel, an aerosol, or a foam, including bothaerosol and non-aerosol foams. The antiviral composition may be employedon a wide variety of surfaces or substrates, including skin, porous, andnon-porous surfaces. In one or more embodiments, the antiviralcomposition may be presented as a wipe, i.e. a tissue or cloth that iswiped over a surface. In general, the antiviral composition includes analcohol, and an enhancer selected from cationic oligomers or polymers,proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.

Advantageously, the method of the present invention has antiviralefficacy over a wide range of temperatures, including ambienttemperatures of from about 25 to about 35° C. In one embodiment, theantiviral composition is brought into contact with the virus particles,and greater than 1 log kill is achieved in less than 60 seconds, inanother embodiment greater than 2 log kill is achieved, and in yetanother embodiment, greater than 3 log kill is achieved in less than 60seconds. In another embodiment, greater than 3.5 log kill is achieved inless than 60 seconds, and in yet another embodiment, greater than 4 logkill is achieved in less than 60 seconds. In one or more embodiments,the virus is completely inactivated to the limits of detection of thetest method within about 60 seconds. In certain embodiments, theantiviral composition is brought into contact with the virus particles,and greater than 1 log kill is achieved in less than 30 seconds, inanother embodiment greater than 2 log kill is achieved, and in yetanother embodiment, greater than 3 log kill is achieved in less than 30seconds, in another embodiment, greater than 3.5 log kill is achieved inless than 30 seconds, and in yet another embodiment, greater than 4 logkill is achieved in less than 30 seconds. In one or more embodiments,the virus is completely inactivated to the limits of detection of thetest method within about 30 seconds.

The antiviral composition exhibits efficacy against MS2, a non-envelopedbacteriophage that is sometimes employed in tests to indicate efficacyagainst non-enveloped viruses. In one embodiment, the antiviralcomposition is brought into contact with the non-enveloped bacteriophageMS2, and greater than 1 log kill is achieved in less than 60 seconds, inanother embodiment greater than 2 log kill is achieved, and in yetanother embodiment, greater than 3 log kill is achieved in less than 60seconds. In another embodiment, greater than 3.5 log kill of MS2 virusis achieved in less than 60 seconds. In yet another embodiment, greaterthan 4 log kill of MS2 is achieved in less than 60 seconds. In one ormore embodiments, the virus is completely inactivated to the limits ofdetection of the test method within about 60 seconds. In certainembodiments, the antiviral composition is brought into contact with thevirus particles, and greater than 1 log kill is achieved in less than 30seconds, in another embodiment greater than 2 log kill is achieved, andin yet another embodiment, greater than 3 log kill of MS2 is achieved inless than 30 seconds. In another embodiment, greater than 3.5 log killof MS2 is achieved in less than 30 seconds. In yet another embodiment,greater than 4 log kill of MS2 is achieved in less than 30 seconds. Inone or more embodiments, the virus is completely inactivated to thelimits of detection of the test method within about 30 seconds.

In another embodiment, the antiviral composition is brought into contactwith a mammalian virus, such as adenovirus, and greater than 1 log killis achieved in less than 60 seconds, in another embodiment greater than2 log kill is achieved, and in yet another embodiment, greater than 3log kill is achieved in less than 60 seconds. In another embodiment,greater than 3.5 log kill is achieved in less than 60 seconds. In yetanother embodiment, greater than 4 log kill is achieved in less than 60seconds. In one or more embodiments, the virus is completely inactivatedto the limits of detection of the test method within about 60 seconds.In certain embodiments, the antiviral composition is brought intocontact with the adenovirus particles, and greater than 1 log kill isachieved in less than 30 seconds, in another embodiment greater than 2log kill is achieved, and in yet another embodiment, greater than 3 logkill is achieved in less than 30 seconds. In another embodiment, greaterthan 3.5 log kill is achieved in less than 30 seconds. In yet anotherembodiment, greater than 4 log kill is achieved in less than 30 seconds.In one or more embodiments, the virus is completely inactivated to thelimits of detection of the test method within about 30 seconds.

In one embodiment, the methods of bringing the antiviral compositioninto contact with a virus on human skin includes applying an amount ofthe composition to the skin, and allowing the composition to remain incontact with the skin for a suitable amount of time. In otherembodiments, the composition may be spread over the surface of the skin,rubbed in, or rinsed off, allowed to dry via evaporation, or wiped off.

Advantageously, the antiviral composition of the present inventionexhibits enhanced efficacy against non-enveloped viruses, when comparedto the efficacy of alcohol. Whereas C₁₋₆ alcohols have little efficacyagainst non-enveloped virus, the efficacy may be enhanced by combiningthe C₁₋₆ alcohol with an efficacy-enhancing amount of an enhancer, toform an antiviral composition. In one or more embodiments, the antiviralcomposition exhibits an increased efficacy against non-enveloped viruseswhen compared to a composition containing an equivalent amount of C₁₋₆alcohol. In certain embodiments, a synergistic effect is seen. In otherwords, the efficacy of the antiviral composition against non-envelopedvirus is greater than the sum of the efficacies of equivalent amounts ofthe individual components.

Therefore, the present invention provides a virucidally-enhancedalcoholic composition comprising alcohol, and an enhancer. In oneembodiment, the alcohol is a lower alkanol, i.e. an alcohol containing 1to 6 carbon atoms. Typically, these alcohols have antimicrobialproperties. Examples of lower alkanols include, but are not limited to,methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, and isomers andmixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the alcohol comprises ethanol,propanol, or butanol, or isomers or mixtures thereof. In anotherembodiment, the alcohol comprises ethanol.

Generally, the antiviral composition comprises an amount of alcohol ofat least about 50 percent by weight. In embodiments where rapidantimicrobial efficacy is not a requirement, the amount of alcohol maybe reduced. In one embodiment, the antiviral composition comprises atleast about 60 weight percent alcohol, in another embodiment, theantiviral composition comprises at least about 65 weight percentalcohol, in yet another embodiment, the antiviral composition comprisesat least about 70 weight percent alcohol, and in still yet anotherembodiment, the antiviral composition comprises at least about 78 weightpercent alcohol, based upon the total weight of antiviral composition.More or less alcohol may be required in certain instances, dependingparticularly on other ingredients and/or the amounts thereof employed inthe composition. In certain embodiments, the antiviral compositioncomprises from about 50 weight percent to about 98 weight percentalcohol, in other embodiments, the antiviral composition comprises fromabout 60 weight percent to about 95 weight percent of alcohol, in yetother embodiments, the antiviral composition comprises from about 65weight percent to about 90 weight percent of alcohol, and in still otherembodiments, the antiviral composition comprises from about 70 weightpercent to about 85 weight percent of alcohol, based upon the totalweight of the antiviral composition.

It has been found that, in certain embodiments, a cationic oligomer orpolymer enhances the antiviral efficacy of alcoholic compositionsagainst non-enveloped viruses. Cationic oligomers or polymers include,but are not necessarily limited to, cationic polysaccharides, cationiccopolymers of saccharides and synthetic cationic monomers, and syntheticcationic oligomer or polymers. Synthetic cationic oligomers or polymersinclude cationic polyalkylene imines, cationic ethoxy polyalkyleneimines, cationicpoly[N-[3-(dialkylammonio)alkyl]N′[3-(alkyleneoxyalkylenedialkylammonio)alkyl]urea dichloride], vinylcaprolactam/VP/dialkylaminoalkyl alkylate copolymers, and polyquatemiumpolymers.

Examples of cationic oligomers or polymers include chitosan, copolymersof isophorone diisocyanate and PEG-15 cocamine, vinylcaprolactam/VP/dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer,polyquaternium-4/hydroxypropyl starch copolymer,butylmethacrylate-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)methacrylate-methylmethacrylate-copolymer,guar hydroxypropyl trimonium chloride and dilinoleyl amidopropyldimethylammonium chloride hydroxypropyl copolymer. Examples ofpolyquaterniums include those listed in Table 1, below, including theINCI name and technical name.

TABLE 1 INCI Name Polyquaternium-X Technical Name  -2Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether, polym. w. N,N′-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]urea  -4 HydroxyethylcelluloseDimethyldiallylammoinum Chloride Copolymer  -5 Copolymer of acrylamideand beta-methacrylyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium methosulfate  -6Polydimethyldiallyl Ammonium Chloride  -7 Dimethyldiallyl AmmoniumChloride & Acrylamide Copolymer  -9 Polydimethyaminoethyl methacrylatequaternized with Methyl Bromide -10 Hydroxyethylcellulose reacted withtrimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide -11 PVP N,N-Dimethyl AminoethylMethacrylic Acid Copolymer Diethyl Sulfate Soln -14 Ethanaminium,N,N,N-Trimethyl-2-[(2-methyl-1-oxo-2- propenyl)oxy]-, Methyl SulfateHomopolymer -15 Acrylamide-Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate MethylChloride Copolymer -16 3-Methyl-1-VinylimidazoliumChloride-1-Vinyl-2-Pyrrolidinone Chloride -17 Quat salt made from Adipicacid & diethylaminopropylamine & dichloroether -18 Quat salt prepared bythe reaction of adipic acid and dimethylaminopropylamine, reacted withdichloroethyl ether -19 Quat ammonium salt prepared by the reaction ofpolyvinyl alcohol with 2,3-epoxypropylamine -20 Quat ammonium saltprepared by the reaction of polyvinyl octadecyl ether with2,3-epoxypropylamine -22 Acrylic Acid-Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride(DADMAC) Polymer -24 Polyquat ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulosereacted with lauryl dimethyl ammonium substituted epoxide -27 BlockCopolymer of Polyquaternium-2 and 17 -28Vinylpyrrolidone/Methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium ChlorideCopolymer -29 Propoxylated Chitosan quaternized with epichlorhydrin -30Ethanaminium, N-Carboxymethyl)-N,N-Dimethyl-2-((2-Methyl-1-Oxo-2-Propenyl)Oxy)-, Inner Salt, Polymer with Methyl 2-Methyl-2-Propenoate -31 2-propane nitrile reaction product w/N,N-dimethylpropanediamine, Sulfate -32 Acrylamide-DimethylaminoethylMethacrylate Methyl Chloride (DMAEMA) Copolymer -37 TrimethylaminoethylMethacrylate Chloride Polymer -39 Acrylic Acid (AA), Polymer w/Acrylamide & Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride(DADMAC) -42Polyoxyethylene (dimethyliminio)ethylene-(dimethyliminio)ethylenedichloride -43 Copolymer of Acrylamide, acrylamidopropyltrimoniumchloride, amidopropylacrylamide & DMAPA Monomers -44 Polyquat ammoniumsalt of vinylpyrrilidone & quaternized imidazoline monomers -46 Quatammonium salt of vinylcaprolactum, vinylpyrrolidone&methylvinylimidazolium -47 Quat ammonium chloride-acrylic acid, methylacrylate & methacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride -48 Copolymer ofmethacryolyl ethyl betaine, 2- hydroxyethylmethacrylate &methacryloylethyltrimethylammonium chloride -513,5,8-Triox-4-Phosphaundec-10-en-1-aminium, 4-Hydroxy-N,N,N,10-Tetramethyl-9-Oxo, Inner Salt, 4-Oxide, Polymer with Butyl2-Methyl-2-Propenoate -53 Acrylic Acid(AA)/Acrylamide/Methacrylamidopropyltrimonium Chloride (MAPTAC)Copolymer -54 Polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared by thereaction of aspartic acid and C6-18 alkylamine withdimethylaminopropylamine and sodium chloroacetate -55 1-Dodecanaminium,N,N-Dimethyl-N-[3-[(2-Methyl-1-Oxo-2- Propenyl)AminoPropyl]-, Chloride,Polymer with N-[3- (Dimethylamino)Propyl]-2-Methyl-2-Propenamide and1-Ethenyl-2- Pyrrolidinone -56 Polymeric quaternary ammonium saltprepared by the reaction of aspartic acid and C6-18 alkylamine withdimethylaminopropylamine and sodium chloroacetate. -57 Polymericquaternary ammonium salt consisting of Castor Isostearate Succinate(q.v.) and Ricinoleamidopropyltrimonium Chloride (q.v.) monomers -582-Propenoic Acid, Methyl Ester, Polymer with 2,2-Bis[(2-Propenyloxy)Methyl]-1-Butanol and Diethenylbenzene, Reaction Productswith N,N-Dimethyl-1,3-Propanediamine, Chloromethane- Quaternized -59Polyquaternium polyester -60 9-Octadecenoic Acid, 12-Hydroxy-,[(2-Hydroxyethyl)Imino]Di-2,1- Ethanediyl Ester, Polymer with5-Isocyanato-1-(Isocyanatomethyl)- 1,3,3-Trimethylcyclohexane, Compd.with Diethyl Sulfate -62 Polymeric quaternary ammonium salt prepared bythe reaction of butyl methacrylate, polyethylene glycol methyl ethermethacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and 2-methacryloyethyltrimonium chloride with 2,2′-azobis(2-methyl propionamidine)dihydrochloride -63 Copolymer of acrylamide, acrylic acid andethyltrimonium chloride acrylate -65 Polymeric quaternary ammonium saltconsisting of 2- methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine, butylmethacrylate and sodium methacrylate monomers -68 Quaternized copolymersof vinylpyrrolidone (VP), methacrylamide(MAM) vinylimidazole(VI) &quaternized vinylimidazole (QVI)

In one or more embodiments, the polyquatemium polymer includespolyquatemium-2, polyquaternium-4, polyquatemium-5, polyquaternium-6,polyquaternium-7, polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-11,polyquaternium-16, polyquatemium-22, polyquatemium-24,polyquaternium-28, polyquatemium-32, polyquatemium-37, polyquatemium-39,polyquaternium-42, polyquatemium-43, polyquatemium-44, polyquatemium-46,polyquatemium-47, polyquatemium-51, polyquatemium-53, polyquatemium-55,polyquaternium-57, polyquatemium-58, polyquatemium-59, polyquatemium-60,polyquatemium-63, polyquatemium-64, polyquaternium-65, polyquatemium-68,or mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the polyquatemium polymer includes polyquatemium-2,polyquatemium-4, polyquatemium-6, polyquatemium-7, polyquatemium-11,polyquatemium-16, polyquatemium-22, polyquaternium-28, polyquatemium-32,polyquatemium-37, polyquatemium-39, polyquatemium-42, polyquaternium-47,polyquatemium-51, polyquatemium-53, polyquatemium-55, polyquatemium-58,or mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the polyquatemium polymerincludes polyquatemium-37.

In certain embodiments, the cationic oligomer or polymer ischaracterized by a charge density that may be determined by methodsknown in the art, such as colloidal titration. In one embodiment, thecharge density of the cationic oligomer or polymer is at least about 0.1meq/g, in another embodiment at least about 2.5 meq/g, and in yetanother embodiment, at least about 5 meq/g.

Advantageously, it has been found that antiviral compositions comprisingalcohol and an efficacy-enhancing amount of cationic oligomer or polymerhave increased efficacy against a broad spectrum of non-envelopedviruses, when compared to antiviral compositions comprising alcoholwithout cationic oligomer or polymer. In certain embodiments, cationicoligomers or polymers that exhibit no efficacy on their own againstnon-enveloped viruses, provide an enhanced efficacy when combined withalcohol according to the present invention.

In one embodiment, an efficacy-enhancing amount of cationic oligomer orpolymer is at least about 0.02 percent by weight, based upon the totalweight of the antiviral composition, in another embodiment at leastabout 0.05, and in yet another embodiment at least about 0.1 percent byweight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition.Generally, an efficacy-enhancing amount of cationic oligomer or polymeris from about 0.02 to about 20 percent by weight, based upon the totalweight of the antiviral composition. In one embodiment, the cationicoligomer or polymer is present in an amount of from about 0.1 to about10 weight percent, in another embodiment, the cationic oligomer orpolymer is present in an amount of from about 0.25 to about 5 percent byweight, and in yet another embodiment, from about 0.4 to about 1 percentby weight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition. Incertain embodiments, the amount of cationic oligomer or polymer mayaffect the viscosity of the antiviral composition, as well as otheraesthetic qualities. Nevertheless, it will be understood that greateramounts of cationic oligomer or polymer can be employed, if desired, andare expected to perform at least equally as well, in terms of antiviralefficacy.

The cationic oligomer or polymer may be supplied in the form of a drypowder, or as an emulsion or liquid mixture. In one embodiment, thecationic oligomer or polymer is added to the antiviral composition as asolid. In another embodiment, the cationic oligomer or polymer is addedto the antiviral composition as a solution or emulsion. In other words,the cationic oligomer or polymer may be premixed with a carrier, andoptionally one or more other ingredients, to form a cationic oligomer orpolymer solution or emulsion, with the proviso that the carrier does notdeleteriously affect the antiviral properties of the composition. Morespecifically, a carrier deleteriously affects the antiviral propertiesof the composition when it decreases the log kill by more than a deminimus amount. By de minimus is meant a decrease of less than about 0.5log kill.

Examples of carriers include water, alcohol, or blends of water andanother carrier such as glycols, ketones, linear and/or cyclichydrocarbons, triglycerides, carbonates, silicones, alkenes, esters suchas acetates, benzoates, fatty esters, glyceryl esters, ethers, amides,polyethylene glycols, PEG/PPG copolymers, inorganic salt solutions suchas saline, and mixtures thereof. It will be understood that, when thecationic oligomer or polymer is premixed to form a cationic oligomer orpolymer solution or emulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion that isadded to the antiviral composition is selected so that the amount ofcationic oligomer or polymer falls within the ranges set forthhereinabove.

In certain embodiments, the antiviral composition further includes aproton donor. Proton donors include Arrhenius acids, Bronsted-Lowryacids and Lewis acids. Strong or weak acids may be used.

Examples of acids include mineral acids and organic acids. Mineral acidsinclude, without limitation, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoricacid, phosphonic acid, boric acid, and sulfuric acid. Organic acidsinclude sulfonic acids, organophosphorus acids, carboxylic acids such asbenzoic acids, propionic acids, phthalic acids, butyric acids, aceticacids, amino acids, and other substituted and unsubstituted organicacids.

Examples of organic acids include adipic acid, benzene 1,3,5tricarboxylic acid, chlorosuccinic acid, choline chloride, cis-aconiticacid, citramalic acid, citric acid, cyclobutane 1,1,3,3 tetracarboxylicacid, cyclohexane 1,2,4,5 tetracarboxylic acid, cyclopentane 1,2,3,4tetracarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, fumaric acid, glutamic acid,glutaric acid, glyoxylic acid, isocitric acid, ketomalonic acid, lacticacid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid,oxalacetic acid, oxalic acid, phytic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid,salicylic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid,tetrahydrofuran 2,3,4,5 tetracarboxylic acid, tricarballylic acid,versene acids, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-hydroxypropane 1,3 dicarboxylicacid, glyceric acid, furan 2,5 dicarboxylic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2,5dicarboxylic acid, 3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2,5-dicarboxylic acid,2-oxo-glutaric acid, dl-glyceric acid, and 2,5 furandicarboxylic acid.

In certain embodiments, the proton donor includes a hydroxy carboxylicacid, and in one embodiment, the hydroxy acid includes two or morecarboxylic acid groups. In one or more embodiments, the hydroxycarboxylic acid includes alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids.Examples of alpha-hydroxy acids having two or more carboxylic acidgroups include tartaric acid, malic acid, citric acid, and isocitricacid. Examples of other alpha-hydroxy carboxylic acids include lacticacid, tartronic acid, and malonic acid. In one embodiment, the protondonor includes citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid,salicylic acid, oxalic acid, or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, theproton donor includes citric acid.

It has been found that, in certain embodiments, a proton donor enhancesthe antiviral efficacy of alcoholic solutions against non-envelopedviruses. In one or more embodiments, proton donors that exhibit moderateor no efficacy on their own against non-enveloped viruses, provide anenhanced efficacy when present in the antiviral composition of thepresent invention.

In one or more embodiments, a synergistic enhancement of antiviralefficacy may be achieved by contacting non-enveloped virus particleswith a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition comprising a C₁₋₆alcohol, an efficacy-enhancing amount of a proton donor, and asynergistic amount of a cationic oligomer or polymer. The minimum amountof cationic oligomer or polymer that corresponds to a synergistic amountis at least about 0.02 percent by weight, based upon the total weight ofthe antiviral composition, in another embodiment at least about 0.05,and in yet another embodiment at least about 0.1 percent by weight,based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition.

The amount of proton donor is not particularly limited, so long as it isat least an efficacy-enhancing amount. The minimum amount of protondonor that corresponds to an efficacy-enhancing amount can be determinedby comparing the log kill of virus achieved by a composition comprisingan alcohol to a composition comprising an alcohol and a given amount ofproton donor. The amount of proton donor below which no difference inlog kill is seen is an efficacy-enhancing amount. In certainembodiments, for example when efficacy against MS2 virus is desired, theminimum efficacy-enhancing amount of proton donor is about 0.01 percentby weight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition. Inanother embodiment, for example when efficacy against feline calicivirusis desired, the minimum efficacy-enhancing amount of proton donor isabout 0.04 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of theantiviral composition.

In one embodiment, the proton donor is added in an amount of from about0.01 to about 1 weight percent, based upon the total weight of theantiviral composition. In another embodiment, the amount of proton donoris from about 0.015 to about 0.5 weight percent, and in yet anotherembodiment, from about 0.03 to about 0.3 weight percent, based upon thetotal weight of the antiviral composition. It will be understood thatgreater levels of proton donor can be used, if desired, and are expectedto perform at least equally as well.

In one embodiment, the proton donor is added to the antiviralcomposition as a solution or emulsion. In other words, the proton donormay be premixed with a carrier, and optionally one or more otheringredients, to form a proton donor solution or emulsion, with theproviso that the carrier does not deleteriously affect the antiviralproperties of the composition. Examples of carriers include water,alcohol, any of the blends described above as carriers for the cationicoligomer or polymer, and mixtures thereof. It will be understood that,when the proton donor is premixed to form a proton donor solution oremulsion, the amount of solution or emulsion that is added to theantiviral composition is selected so that the amount of proton donorfalls within the ranges set forth hereinabove.

In certain embodiments, the antiviral composition includes a chaotropicagent. Chaotropic agents include agents that disrupt molecularstructure, particularly molecular structure formed by nonbonding forcessuch as hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals interaction, and hydrophobiceffect. Chaotropic agents are well known in the field of biochemistryand include, but are not limited to, urea, thiourea, guanidine-HCl,guanidine thiocyanate, aminoguanidine bicarbonate, guanidine carbonate,guanidine phosphate, and aminoguanidine-HCL. Although is it known in theart that heat may act as a chaotropic agent, for purposes of thisspecification, the term chaotropic agent refers to a substance otherthan heat. This should not be interpreted to exclude the presence ofheat from the method of the present invention, because as statedhereinbelow, the method of the present invention operates over a widerange of temperatures.

In one embodiment, the chaotropic agent comprises urea. The chaotropicagent may be supplied in the form of a dry powder, or as an emulsion orliquid mixture, and can optionally include a carrier such as thosedescribed above for the cationic oligomer or polymer.

It has been found that, in certain embodiments, the presence of achaotropic agent enhances the antiviral efficacy of alcoholic solutionsagainst non-enveloped viruses. Advantageously, a synergistic antiviraleffect is observed when the chaotropic agent is combined with alcoholand a cationic oligomer or polymer. Without wishing to be bound bytheory, it is believed that the chaotropic agent may enhance theantiviral efficacy of the alcoholic composition by disrupting theproteins of the virus capsid. In certain embodiments, chaotropic agentsthat exhibit no efficacy on their own against non-enveloped viruses,provide an enhanced efficacy when combined with alcohol according to thepresent invention. In contrast to views expressed in the prior art,where concentrations of about 6-8 M are advocated for chaotropic agentsin order to denature proteins, it has surprisingly been found that theantiviral method of the present invention provides good antiviralefficacy at much lower concentrations of chaotrope.

The amount of chaotropic agent is not particularly limited, so long asit is at least an efficacy-enhancing amount. The minimum amount ofchaotropic agent that corresponds to an efficacy-enhancing amount can bedetermined by comparing the log kill of virus achieved by a compositioncomprising an alcohol to a composition comprising an alcohol and a givenamount of chaotropic agent. The amount of chaotropic agent below whichno difference in log kill is seen is an efficacy-enhancing amount.

In one embodiment, the chaotropic agent is added in an amount of fromabout 0.25 to about 20 weight percent, based upon the total weight ofthe antiviral composition. In another embodiment, the amount ofchaotropic agent is from about 1 to about 15 weight percent, and in yetanother embodiment, from about 4 to about 12 weight percent, based uponthe total weight of the antiviral composition. It will be understoodthat greater levels of chaotropic agent can be used, if desired, and areexpected to perform equally as well.

As described hereinabove, the antiviral composition of this inventionincludes an alcohol, and an enhancer selected from cationic oligomers orpolymers, proton donors and chaotropic agents. The composition canfurther comprise a wide range of optional ingredients, with the provisothat they do not deleteriously affect the antiviral efficacy of thecomposition. By deleterious is meant that the decrease in the log killis not de minimus, or in other words, the log kill does not decrease bymore than about 0.5. The CTFA International Cosmetic IngredientDictionary and Handbook, Eleventh Edition 2005, and the 2004 CTFAInternational Buyer's Guide, both of which are incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety, describe a wide variety of non-limitingcosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients commonly used in the skin careindustry, that are suitable for use in the compositions of the presentinvention. Nonlimiting examples of functional classes of ingredients aredescribed at page 537 of the Handbook. Examples of these functionalclasses include: abrasives, anti-acne agents, anticaking agents,antioxidants, binders, biological additives, bulking agents, chelatingagents, chemical additives; colorants, cosmetic astringents, cosmeticbiocides, denaturants, drug astringents, emulsifiers, externalanalgesics, film formers, fragrance components, humectants, opacifyingagents, plasticizers, preservatives (sometimes referred to asantimicrobials), propellants, reducing agents, skin bleaching agents,skin-conditioning agents (emollient, miscellaneous, and occlusive), skinprotectants, solvents, surfactants, foam boosters, hydrotropes,solubilizing agents, suspending agents (nonsurfactant), sunscreenagents, ultraviolet light absorbers, detackifiers, and viscosityincreasing agents (aqueous and nonaqueous). Examples of other functionalclasses of materials useful herein that are well known to one ofordinary skill in the art include solubilizing agents, sequestrants, andkeratolytics, topical active ingredients, and the like. In oneembodiment, the antiviral composition further comprises glycerin.

Foaming surfactants may be included, with the proviso that they will notdeleteriously affect the antiviral efficacy of the composition. Thefoaming surfactant contributes foaming properties to the alcoholiccomposition, and may include anionic, cationic, nonionic, zwitterionic,or amphoteric surfactants and their associated salts. In one embodiment,the foaming surfactant includes a fluorosurfactant, a siloxane polymersurfactant, or a combination thereof. Fluorosurfactants includecompounds that contain at least one fluorine atom. Examples offluorosurfactants include perfluoroalkylethyl phosphates,perfluoroalkylethyl betaines, fluoroaliphatic amine oxides,fluoroaliphatic sodium sulfosuccinates, fluoroaliphatic stearate esters,fluoroaliphatic phosphate esters, fluoroaliphatic quaternaries,fluoroaliphatic polyoxyethylenes, and the like, and mixtures thereof.

Examples of fluorosurfactants include perfluoroalkylethyl phosphates,perfluoroalkylethyl betaines, fluoroaliphatic amine oxides,fluoroaliphatic sodium sulfosuccinates, fluoroaliphatic phosphateesters, and fluoroaliphatic quaternaries. Specific examples offluorosurfactants include DEA-C8-18 perfluoroalkylethyl phosphate,TEA-C8-18 perfluoroalkylethyl phosphate, NH₄—C8-18 perfluoroalkylethylphosphate, and C8-18 perfluoroalkylethyl betaine.

Siloxane polymer surfactants may be generally characterized bycontaining one or more Si—O—Si linkages in the polymer backbone. Thesiloxane polymer surfactant may or may not include a fluorine atom.Therefore, some foaming surfactants may be classified as bothfluorosurfactants and siloxane polymer surfactants. Siloxane polymersurfactants include organopolysiloxane dimethicone polyols, siliconecarbinol fluids, silicone polyethers, alkylmethyl siloxanes,amodimethicones, trisiloxane ethoxylates, dimethiconols, quaternizedsilicone surfactants, polysilicones, silicone crosspolymers, andsilicone waxes.

Examples of siloxane polymer surfactants include dimethicone PEG-7undecylenate, PEG-10 dimethicone, PEG-8 dimethicone, PEG-12 dimethicone,perfluorononylethyl carboxydecal PEG 10, PEG-20/PPG-23 dimethicone,PEG-11 methyl ether dimethicone, bis-PEG/PPG-20/20 dimethicone, siliconequats, PEG-9 dimethicone, PPG-12 dimethicone, fluoro PEG-8 dimethicone,PEG 23/PPG 6 dimethicone, PEG 20/PPG 23 dimethicone, PEG 17 dimethicone,PEG5/PPG3 methicone, bis PEG20 dimethicone, PEG/PPG20/15 dimethiconecopolyol and sulfosuccinate blends, PEG-8 dimethicone \dimmer acidblends, PEG-8 dimethicone\fatty acid blends, PEG-8 dimethicone\coldpressed vegetable oil\polyquatemium blends, random block polymers andmixtures thereof.

The amount of foaming surfactant is not particularly limited, so long asan effective amount to produce foaming is present. In certainembodiments, the effective amount to produce foaming may vary, dependingupon the amount of alcohol and other ingredients that are present. Inone or more embodiments, the alcoholic composition includes at leastabout 0.002 wt. % of foaming surfactant, based upon the total weight ofthe alcoholic composition. In another embodiment, the alcoholiccomposition includes at least about 0.01 wt. % of foaming surfactant,based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition. In yet anotherembodiment, the alcoholic composition includes at least about 0.05 wt. %of foaming surfactant, based upon the total weight of the alcoholiccomposition.

Foamable alcoholic compositions are described in co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/438,664, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, alcohol is the only active antimicrobial orpreservative ingredient introduced into the composition. Anyantimicrobial or preservative ingredient other than alcohol may bereferred to as an auxiliary antimicrobial agent. In one embodiment, theamount of auxiliary antimicrobial agent is less than about 0.1 percentby weight, in another embodiment, less than about 0.05 percent byweight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition. Inanother embodiment, the antiviral composition is devoid of auxiliaryantimicrobial agents.

It is envisioned that, in other embodiments, auxiliary antimicrobialagents could be included, with the proviso that the antimicrobialingredient does not deleteriously affect the antiviral properties of thecomposition. Examples of auxiliary antimicrobial agents include, but arenot limited to, triclosan, also known as5-chloro-2(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol and available from Ciba-GeigyCorporation under the tradename IRGASAN®; chloroxylenol, also known as4-chloro-3,5-xylenol, available from Nipa Laboratories, Inc. under thetradenames NIPACIDE® MX or PX; hexetidine, also known as5-amino-1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methyl-hexahydropyrimidine;chlorhexidine salts including chlorhexidine gluconate and the salts ofN,N″-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,14-tetraazatetradecanediimidiamide; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1; 3-diol, benzalkonium chloride;cetylpyridinium chloride; alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides; iodine;phenol derivatives, povidone-iodine includingpolyvinylpyrrolidinone-iodine; parabens; hydantoins and derivativesthereof, including 2,4-imidazolidinedione and derivatives of2,4-imidazolidinedione as well as dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (alsoknown as DMDM hydantoin or glydant); phenoxyethanol; cis isomer of1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,6-triaza-1-azoniaadamantane chloride, also knownas quaternium-15 and available from Dow Chemical Company under thetradename DOWCIL® 2000; diazolidinyl urea; benzethonium chloride;methylbenzethonium chloride; transition metal compounds such as silver,copper, magnesium, zinc compounds; hydrogen peroxide, chorine dioxide,and mixtures thereof. When used, the auxiliary antimicrobial agents arepresent in amounts of from about 0.1 to about 1 percent by weight, basedupon the total weight of the antiviral composition.

In certain embodiments, the combination of alcohol and enhancer is thevirucidally active ingredient, and the amount of other virucidallyactive materials is limited. In one embodiment, the amount of auxiliaryvirucidally active materials is less than about 0.1 percent by weight,in another embodiment less than about 0.05 percent by weight, and inanother embodiment, less than about 0.02 percent by weight, based uponthe total weight of the antiviral composition. In another embodiment,the antiviral composition is devoid of auxiliary virucidally activematerial.

It is envisioned that, in other embodiments, auxiliary antiviral agentscould be included, with the proviso that the antiviral ingredient doesnot deleteriously affect the antiviral properties of the compositionaccording to the present invention. Examples of auxiliary antiviralsinclude botanicals such as rosmarinic acid, tetrahydrocurcuminoids,oleuropen, oleanolic acid, aspalathus linearis extract, white tea, redtea, green tea extract, neem oil limonoids, coleus oil, licoriceextract, burnet, ginger & cinnamon extracts, alpha-glucanoligosaccharide, perilla ocymoides leaf powder, camphor, camelliaoleifera leaf extract, ginger, menthol, eucalyptus, capillisil hc,hydroxyprolisilane cn, sandlewood oil/resin, calendula oil, rosemaryoil, lime/orange oils, and hop acids.

Advantageously, certain ingredients that have been designated in theprior art as critical to achieving rapid antiviral efficacy can belimited in the antiviral composition of the present invention. Forexample, zinc compounds are not necessary, and can be limited, ifdesired, to less than about 0.5 percent by weight, or in anotherembodiment to less than about 0.1 percent by weight, based upon thetotal weight of the disinfecting composition. In another embodiment, thedisinfecting composition is devoid of organic salts of zinc. Zinccompounds that may be so limited include those having a counterionselected from gluconate, acetate, chloride, acetylacetonate, bromidecitrate, formate, glycerophosphate, iodide, lactate, nitrate,salicylate, sulfate, pyrithione, and tartrate.

In certain embodiments, the amount of metal salts in the composition islimited. In one embodiment, the amount of metal salts is less than about0.05 percent by weight, in another embodiment, less than about 0.01percent by weight, and in yet another embodiment, less than about 0.001weight percent, based upon the total weight of the antiviralcomposition. In another embodiment, the antiviral composition is devoidof metal salts. In certain embodiments, the amount of iodine in thecomposition is limited. In one embodiment, the amount of iodine is lessthan about 1 percent by weight, in another embodiment, less than about0.1 percent by weight, and in yet another embodiment, less than about0.01 percent by weight, based upon the total weight of the antiviralcomposition. In another embodiment, the antiviral composition is devoidof iodine.

In certain embodiments, the amount of complexes of aluminum or zirconiumis limited. In one embodiment, the amount of complexes of aluminum orzirconium is less than about 0.05 percent by weight, in anotherembodiment, less than about 0.01 percent by weight, and in yet anotherembodiment, less than about 0.001 weight percent, based upon the totalweight of the antiviral composition.

In certain embodiments, the amount of fatty acid may be limited. Inthese embodiments, the amount of fatty acid may be less than about 1percent by weight, in another embodiment less that about 0.1 percent byweight, in yet another embodiment, less than about 0.05 percent byweight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition. Inanother embodiment, the antiviral composition is devoid of fatty acid.In these or other embodiments, the amount of fatty ester may be limited.In these embodiments, the amount of fatty ester may be less than about 1percent by weight, in another embodiment less that about 0.1 percent byweight, in yet another embodiment, less than about 0.05 percent byweight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition. Inanother embodiment, the antiviral composition is devoid of fatty ester.

Indeed, any component other than the alcohol and enhancer is notnecessary to achieve antimicrobial efficacy and can optionally belimited to less than about 0.5 percent by weight, if desired to lessthan about 0.1 percent by weight, if desired to less than about 0.01percent by weight, or if desired to less than about 0.001 percent byweight, based upon the total weight of the antiviral composition.

In one or more embodiments, the balance of the alcoholic compositionincludes water or other suitable solvent. The antiviral composition maybe prepared by simply mixing the components together. In one embodiment,where the cationic oligomer or polymer is obtained as a solid powder,the antiviral composition is prepared by a method comprising dispersingthe cationic oligomer or polymer in water, adding alcohol with slow tomoderate agitation, and then adding other ingredients as desired, andmixing until the mixture is homogeneous.

As stated hereinabove, the antiviral composition of the presentinvention may be embodied in a variety of forms, including as a liquid,gel, or foam. Surprisingly, it has been found that the viscosity of theliquid antiviral composition does not affect the disinfecting efficacyof the composition. For example, in one or more embodiments of thepresent invention, the same amount of log kill is achieved with a liquidantiviral composition having a viscosity of 5 centipoise (cPs) and adisinfecting composition having a viscosity of about 2000 cPs. Thus itwill be understood that the viscosity of the antiviral composition ofthe present invention is not limited.

It will also be understood that the viscosity of the antiviralcomposition may be affected by the relative amounts of ingredients. Forexample, a decrease in the relative amount of certain polyquaterniumpolymers may result in a lower viscosity. Also, the type ofpolyquaternium polymer can affect the viscosity of the antiviralcomposition. For example, when a non-thickening cationic oligomer orpolymer, such as polyquaternium-22, is employed, the amount of cationicoligomer or polymer may not substantially affect the viscosity of theantiviral composition.

In one embodiment, where the antiviral composition is a liquid, theviscosity is from about 0 cPs to about 5000 cPs, in another embodiment,from about 50 to about 500 cPs, and in another embodiment, from about100 to about 400 cPs, as measured by Brookfield RV Viscometer using RVand/or LV Spindles at 22° C. +/−3° C.

Surprisingly, it has been found that the antiviral composition mayprovide antiviral efficacy over a wide range of pH. Antiviral efficacymay be achieved at a pH of from 0 to about 14. More specifically, in oneor more embodiments of the present invention, 3 log kill or greateragainst non-enveloped viruses is achieved with antiviral compositionshaving a pH of greater than about 2.5, in other embodiments greater thanabout 3, in yet other embodiments greater than about 3.5, in otherembodiments greater than about 4, in still yet other embodiments greaterthan about 4.5, and in still other embodiments, greater than about 5. Incertain embodiments, 3 log kill or greater against non-enveloped virusesis achieved with antiviral compositions having a pH of from about 4.5 toabout 9, in other embodiments from about 5 to about 8.5, and in yetother embodiments from about 5.5 to about 7.5.

In order to demonstrate the practice of the present invention, thefollowing examples have been prepared and tested. The examples shouldnot, however, be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention. Theclaims will serve to define the invention.

EXAMPLES Bacteriophage Propagation

MS2 (obtained from ATCC) was grown to high titres on E. coli ATCC 15597.An exponentially growing culture of E. coli in LB broth supplementedwith 2 mM CaCl₂ was divided into 200 microliter aliquots and inoculatedwith 200 microliters of serially diluted phage stock. The mixtures wereadded to 2.5 ml molten soft (0.7%) MS agar held at 44° C. andimmediately poured over the surface of an LB agar plate. After 16 hoursincubation at 37° C., phage were harvested from plates demonstratingcomplete lysis of the E. coli lawn. To harvest the phage, 10 mL ofsterile SM buffer was added to the surface of the plate and the softagar was broken with a bent sterile glass rod. The broken agar wascentrifuged for 10 minutes at 5000 G to remove debris and thesupernatant containing purified phage was treated with chloroform andstored for up to 2 months at 4° C. Prior to use, phage suspensions wereallowed to equilibrate to room temperature.

[Bacteriophage Titre]

Infectious particles were counted by using a soft agar overlaytechnique. Molten, soft (0.7%) MS agar was dispensed in 2.5 ml aliquotsin glass bottles and held at 44° C. Phage-containing solutions wereserially diluted in SM buffer at 20° C. and 0.1 ml added, together with0.1 ml exponential culture of E. coli ATCC 15597 to the molten agar. Thecontents were gently mixed and poured over the surface of a nutrientagar plate. Plaques were countable after 24 hours incubation at 37° C.and results expressed as plaque forming units per milliter (pfu ml⁻¹).

[Virucidal Suspension Tests with MS2]

Suspension tests with MS2 were performed essentially as follows.Typically, 100 μl phage was added to 9.9 ml of antiviral composition.After the desired contact time at 25° C., 0.1 ml suspension wasneutralized by dilution into 9.9 ml D.E. broth. Further 10-fold serialdilutions were prepared in D.E. broth. The remaining active phage wasquantified by infecting E. coli and using the soft agar overlay methodas described above.

[Virucidal Suspension Tests with Mammalian Viruses]

Virucidal suspension tests with mammalian viruses were performed using amodification of the Standard Test Method for Efficacy of VirucidalAgents Intended for Special Applications (ASTM E1052). Viral strains andindicator cells lines were as follows: Rhinovirus type 37, ATCC VR-1147grown on MRC-5 human embryonic lung cells; Feline calicivirus StrainF-9, ATCC VR-782 grown on CRFK feline kidney cells, Adenovirus type 2,ATCC VR-846 grown on A-549 human lung carcinoma cells; Rotavirus WA,ATCC VR-2018, grown on MA-104 rhesus monkey kidney cells; Herpes SimplexType 1 Strain F(1), ATCC VR-733 grown on rabbit kidney cells (RK) fromViroMed Laboratories; Hepatitis A Virus Strain HM-175 was grown on FetalRhesus monkey kidney cells (FRhK-4) from AppTec Laboratory Services;Canine Parvovirus Strain Cornell, ATCC VR-72017, was grown on A-72canine tumor cells from ViroMed. Laboratories. A 4.5 ml aliquot of eachtest substance was dispensed into separate sterile 15 ml conical tubesand each was mixed with a 0.5 ml aliquot of the stock virus suspension.The mixtures were vortex mixed for 10 seconds and held the remainder ofthe 30 second exposure time at 33±2° C. Immediately following theexposure period, a 0.1 ml aliquot was removed from each tube and themixtures were titered by 10-fold serial dilutions and assayed for thepresence of virus by infecting indicator cell lines. Cytopathic effect(CPE) was used in each case to indicate infection and TCID50 values werecalculated by the method of Spearman Karber. Virus controls,neutralization controls, and cytotoxicity controls were also performed.

[Preparation and Testing of Antiviral Compositions]

Example 1—95% ethanol was mixed with water to form a 78% by weightethanol mixture.

Example 2—was prepared as described for Example 1, except that 1.25 wt.% of 1 M citric acid in water was added, with stirring, to form ahomogeneous mixture.

Example 3—Powdered Synthalen CR (polyquaternium-37) was added to waterin a flask, and mixed until a smooth gel was formed. 78% ethanol wasadded to the flask, with stirring, to form a homogeneous mixture.

Example 4—Powdered Synthalen CR (polyquaternium-37) was added to waterin a flask, and mixed until a smooth gel was formed. 78% ethanol wasadded to the flask, with stirring, to form a homogeneous mixture. 1.25wt. 5 of 1 M citric acid in water was added, with mixing.

The antiviral efficacy of Examples 1-4 were tested as described abovefor MS2, and the results are shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 LOG KILL, EXAMPLE COMPOSITION MS2¹ 1 78% ethanol 0.2 2 78%ethanol + 0.25% citric acid 0.7 3 78% ethanol + 0.4% polyquaternium-370.9 4 78% ethanol + 0.25% citric acid + 0.4% 4.3 polyquaternium-37 ¹60seconds at 25° C.

Examples 5-13

Example 5 was prepared by mixing 95% ethanol with water to form a 70% byweight ethanol mixture. Example 6 was prepared by dissolving urea inwater to form a 10 wt. % mixture. Example 7 was prepared as for Example5, except that urea was also added. Example 8 was prepared as forExample 7, except that polyquaternium-37 was also added. The pH ofExample 8 was about 5.5. Example 9 was prepared as for Example 5, exceptthat polyquaternium-22 was also added. Example 10 was prepared as forExample 9, except that urea was also added. The pH of Example 10 wasabout 4.9. Example 11 was prepared as for Example 5, except thatguanidine HCl was also added. The pH of Example 11 was about 7.6.Example 12 was prepared as for Example 11, except that polyquaternium-22was also added. The pH of Example 12 was about 6.2. Example 13 wasprepared as for Example 12. The pH of Example 13 was about 5.8. Theantiviral efficacy of Examples 5-13 were tested as described above forMS2, and the results are shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 LOG KILL, EXAMPLE COMPOSITION MS2¹ 5 70% ethanol 0 6 10% urea inwater 0 7 70% ethanol + 10% urea 0.9 8 70% ethanol + 10% urea + 0.4%≧6.1 polyquaternium-37 9 70% ethanol + 1% polyquaternium-22 0.7 10 70%ethanol + 10% urea + 0.4% 6.1 polyquaternium-22 11 70% ethanol + 10%guanidine HCl 2.7 12 70% ethanol + 10% guanidine HCl + 0.4% 5.5polyquaternium-22 13 70% ethanol + 10% aminoguanidine 5.8 HCl + 0.4%polyquaternium-22 ¹60 seconds at 25° C.

Examples 14-15

Example 14 was prepared as described for Example 1, and Example 15 wasprepared as described for Example 4. The efficacy of Examples 14 and 15against feline calicivirus was tested by using a modification of theStandard Test Method for Efficacy of Virucidal Agents Intended forSpecial Applications (ASTM E1052). The samples were tested by in-vitrovirucidal suspension assay. The F-9 strain of Feline Calicivirus stockvirus was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas,Va. (ATCC VR-782). A suspension of virus was exposed to the sample. At apre-determined exposure time, an aliquot was removed, neutralized byserial dilution, and assayed for the presence of virus by infecting CRFKcells and measuring CPE as described hereinabove. Positive viruscontrols, cytotoxicity controls, and neutralization controls wereassayed in parallel. Log reduction was calculated, and the results areshown in Table 4.

TABLE 4 LOG KILL, FELINE EXAMPLE COMPOSITION CALICIVIRUS¹ 14 78% ethanol3.4 15 78% ethanol + 0.25% citric acid + 0.4% ≧4.7 polyquaternium-37 ¹30seconds at 33° C.

Examples 16-17

Example 16 was prepared as described for Example 2, and Example 17 wasprepared as described for Example 4. The efficacy of Examples 16 and 17against adenovirus type 2 was tested by using a modification of ASTME1052. The samples were tested by in-vitro virucidal suspension assay.The Adenoid 6 strain of Adenovirus type 2 stock virus was obtained fromthe American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va. (ATCC VR-846). Asuspension of virus was exposed to the sample. At a pre-determinedexposure time, an aliquot was removed, neutralized by serial dilution,and assayed for the presence of virus. Positive virus controls,cytotoxicity controls, and neutralization controls were assayed inparallel. Log reduction was calculated, and the results are shown inTable 5.

TABLE 5 LOG KILL, EXAMPLE COMPOSITION ADENOVIRUS¹ 16 78% ethanol + 0.25%citric acid 1.3 17 78% ethanol + 0.25% citric acid + 0.4% ≧5.0polyquaternium-37 ¹30 seconds at 33° C.

Examples 18-20

Example 18 was prepared as described for Example 4, except that theconcentration of ethanol was 70% by weight. Example 19 was prepared asdescribed for Example 4. Example 20 was prepared as described forExample 4, except that tartaric acid was used instead of citric acid.The mixtures were tested for efficacy against five different viruses,and the results are shown in Table 6.

The efficacy of Examples 18-20 against rhinovirus type 37 was tested byusing a modification of ASTM E1052. The samples were tested by in-vitrovirucidal suspension assay. The 151-1 strain of Rhinovirus type 37 stockvirus was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas,Va. (ATCC VR-1147). A suspension of virus was exposed to the sample. Ata pre-determined exposure time, an aliquot was removed, neutralized byserial dilution, and assayed for the presence of virus by infectingMRC-5 cells and measuring CPE as described hereinabove. Positive viruscontrols, cytotoxicity controls, and neutralization controls wereassayed in parallel.

The efficacy of Examples 18-20 against rotovirus was tested by using amodification of ASTM E1052. The samples were tested by in-vitrovirucidal suspension assay. The WA stock virus was obtained from theAmerican Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va. (ATCC VR-2018). Asuspension of virus was exposed to the sample. At a pre-determinedexposure time, an aliquot was removed, neutralized by serial dilution,and assayed for the presence of virus by infecting MA-104 cells andmeasuring CPE as described hereinabove. Positive virus controls,cytotoxicity controls, and neutralization controls were assayed inparallel.

TABLE 6 FELINE EX. COMPOSITION MS2¹ CALICIVIRUS² ADENOVIRUS³ ROTAVIRUS⁴RHINOVIRUS⁵ 18 70% ethanol + 2.4 ≧4.7 ≧5.0 ≧3.8 ≧3.3 0.25% citric acid +0.4% polyquaternium-37 19 78% ethanol + 3.7 ≧4.7 ≧5.0 ≧3.8 ≧3.3 0.25%citric acid + 0.4% polyquaternium-37 20 78% ethanol + 4.4 ≧4.7 ≧5.0 ≧3.8≧3.3 0.25% tartaric acid + 0.4% polyquaternium-37 ¹60 seconds at 25° C.;average of replicates; ²⁻⁵30 seconds at 33° C.

Examples 21-22

Example 21 was prepared by mixing 95% ethanol with water to form a 78%by weight ethanol mixture. Example 22 was prepared as for Example 21,except that polyquaternium-37 was also added. The efficacy of Examples21-22 against hepatitis A virus was tested by using a modification ofASTM E1052. The samples were tested by in-vitro virucidal suspensionassay. The HM-175 strain of Hepatities A virus (HAV) stock virus wasobtained from AppTec Laboratory Services, Camden, N.J. A suspension ofvirus was exposed to the sample. At a pre-determined exposure time, analiquot was removed, neutralized by serial dilution, and assayed for thepresence of virus by infecting FRhK-4 cells and measuring CPE asdescribed hereinabove. Positive virus controls, cytotoxicity controls,and neutralization controls were assayed in parallel. Results are shownin Table 7.

TABLE 7 LOG KILL, EXAMPLE COMPOSITION HEPATITIS A VIRUS¹ 21 78% ethanol1.25 22 78% ethanol + 1% 3.0 polyquaternium-37 ¹⁵60 seconds at 25° C.

Examples 23-24

Example 23 was prepared as for Example 18. Example 24 represents anantibacterial hand sanitizer composition similar to a product currentlycommercially available, the label of which is marked with U.S. Pat. No.6,080,417. The efficacy of Examples 23-24 against Canine parvovirus wastested by using a modification of ASTM E1052. The samples were tested byin-vitro virucidal suspension assay. The virus tested was StrainCornell, ATCC VR-2017, cell line A-72 canine tumor cells, ATCC CRL-1542.A suspension of virus was exposed to the sample. At a pre-determinedexposure time, an aliquot was removed, neutralized by serial dilution,and assayed for the presence of virus by infecting CRFK cells andmeasuring CPE as described hereinabove. Positive virus controls,cytotoxicity controls, and neutralization controls were assayed inparallel. Results are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 LOG KILL, CANINE EXAMPLE COMPOSITION PARVOVIRUS 23 70% ethanol +0.25% citric acid + 1.0 0.4% polyquaternium-37 24 Manorapid Synergy 0 30seconds at 33° C.

Examples 25-26

Examples 25-26 represent antibacterial hand sanitizer compositionssimilar to products currently commercially available. The compositionswere formulated as shown in Table 9, and tested for efficacy againstMS2.

TABLE 9 EXAMPLE COMPOSITION LOG KILL, MS2¹ 25 62% ethanol in carbomergel 0 26 Manorapid Synergy 0.8 ¹60 seconds at 25° C.

Fingerpad in vivo testing of Examples 19 and 23 was performed accordingto ASTM E 1838-96, “Standard Test Method for Determining theVirus-Eliminating Effectiveness of Liquid Hygienic Handwash Agents Usingthe Fingerpads of Adult Volunteers.” The efficacy of the compositionswas tested against feline calicivirus and rotovirus, and the results areshown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 LOG KILL, FELINE LOG KILL, EXAMPLE COMPOSITION CALICIVIRUS¹ROTAVIRUS¹ Example 23 62% ethanol in 0.6 2.5 carbomer gel Example 19 78%ethanol + 0.25% 1.6 3.0 citric acid + 0.4% polyquaternium-37 ¹log₁₀reduction at 15 seconds

Examples 25-26

The efficacy of Examples 25-26 against herpes virus (an enveloped virus)was tested by in-vitro virucidal suspension assay. (Herpes Simplex Type1 Strain F(1), ATCC VR-733 grown on rabbit kidney cells (RK) fromViroMed Laboratories) A suspension of virus was exposed to the sample.At a pre-determined exposure time, an aliquot was removed, neutralizedby serial dilution, and assayed for the presence of virus by infectingRK cells and measuring CPE as described hereinabove. Positive viruscontrols, cytotoxicity controls, and neutralization controls wereassayed in parallel. Results are shown in Table 11.

TABLE 11 LOG KILL EXAMPLE COMPOSITION HERPES VIRUS¹ 25 62% ethanol incarbomer gel ≧5.5 26 62% ethanol + 1.5% ≧4.5 polyquaternium-37 ¹⁵60seconds at room temperature

Thus, it should be evident that the present invention provides a methodfor inactivating virus. In certain embodiments, a virucidal compositioncomprising alcohol, a cationic oligomer or polymer, and an enhancerexhibits an efficacy against non-enveloped viruses that is higher thanthe efficacy of the same composition but not comprising the enhancer. Inone embodiment, the virucidal composition exhibits an efficacy againstnon-enveloped viruses that is at least about 0.5 log kill higher thanthe efficacy of the same composition but not comprising the enhancer. Inanother embodiment, the composition exhibits an efficacy againstnon-enveloped viruses that is at least about 1 log kill higher than theefficacy of the same composition but not comprising the enhancer.

The antiviral composition is highly efficacious for household cleaningapplications (e.g., hard surfaces like floors, countertops, tubs, dishesand softer cloth materials like clothing, sponges, paper towels, etc.),personal care applications (e.g. lotions, shower gels, soaps, handsanitizers, shampoos, wipes) and industrial and hospital applications(e.g., disinfection of instruments, surfaces, medical devices, gloves).This composition is efficacious for rapidly sanitizing or de-germingsurfaces that are infected or contaminated with Gram negative bacteria,fungi, parasites, Gram positive bacteria, enveloped viruses, andnon-enveloped viruses. The efficacy of alcoholic compositions comprisinga C1-6 alcohol, an acid, and a cationic oligomer or polymer againstresident and transient flora is described in co-pending U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/771,784, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

Various modifications and alterations that do not depart from the scopeand spirit of this invention will become apparent to those skilled inthe art. This invention is not to be duly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

1. A virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition comprising: (a) at least50 wt. % of a C₁₋₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholiccomposition; (b) a first enhancer selected from the group consisting ofpolyquaternium polymers, cationic polyalkylene imines, cationic ethoxypolyalkylene imines, cationicpoly[N-[3-(dialkylammonio)alkyl]N′[3-(alkyleneoxyalkylenedialkylammonio)alkyl]urea dichloride], vinylcaprolactam/VP/dialkylaminoalkyl alkylate copolymers, and mixturesthereof; and (c) a second enhancer selected from the group consisting ofproton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof, wherein saidenhancers enhance the efficacy of the alcohol against non-envelopedviruses.
 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein said virucidalcomposition exhibits an efficacy against non-enveloped viruses that isat least about 1 log kill higher than the efficacy of the samecomposition but not comprising said first and second enhancers.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said composition comprises from about0.02 to about 20 percent by weight of a cationic oligomer or polymer,based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said first enhancer is selected from thegroup consisting of polyquaternium polymers.
 5. The composition of claim1, wherein said cationic oligomer or polymer is a polyquaterniumselected from the group consisting of polyquaternium-2,polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-5, polyquaternium-6, polyquaternium-7,polyquaternium-10, polyquaternium-11, polyquaternium-16,polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-24, polyquaternium-28,polyquaternium-32, polyquaternium-37, polyquaternium-39,polyquaternium-42, polyquaternium-43, polyquaternium-44,polyquaternium-46, polyquaternium-47, polyquaternium-51,polyquaternium-53, polyquaternium-55, polyquaternium-57,polyquatemium-58, polyquatemium-59, polyquaternium-60,polyquaternium-63, polyquaternium-64, polyquaternium-65,polyquaternium-68, and mixtures thereof.
 6. The composition of claim 1,wherein said composition comprises from about 0.015 to about 1 percentby weight of a proton donor, based upon the total weight of thealcoholic composition.
 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein saidproton donor comprises hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid,phosphonic acid, boric acid, sulfuric acid, adipic acid, benzene 1,3,5tricarboxylic acid, chlorosuccinic acid, choline chloride, cis-aconiticacid, citramalic acid, citric acid, cyclobutane 1,1,3,3 tetracarboxylicacid, cyclohexane 1,2,4,5 tetracarboxylic acid, cyclopentane 1,2,3,4tetracarboxylic acid, diglycolic acid, fumaric acid, glutamic acid,glutaric acid, glyoxylic acid, isocitric acid, ketomalonic acid, lacticacid, maleic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid,oxalacetic acid, oxalic acid, phytic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid,salicylic acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid, tartronic acid,tetrahydrofuran 2,3,4,5 tetracarboxylic acid, tricarballylic acid,versene acids, 3-hydroxyglutaric acid, 2-hydroxypropane 1,3 dicarboxylicacid, glyceric acid, furan 2,5 dicarboxylic acid, 3,4-dihydroxyfuran-2,5dicarboxylic acid, 3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2,5-dicarboxylic acid,2-oxo-glutaric acid, dl-glyceric acid, 2,5 furandicarboxylic acid, or amixture thereof.
 8. The composition of claim 1, wherein said compositioncomprises from about 0.25 to about 20 percent by weight chaotropicagent, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 8, wherein said chaotropic agent comprises urea,thiourea, guanidine HCl, guanidine thiocyanate, aminoguanidine HCl,aminoguanidine bicarbonate, guanidine carbonate, guanidine phosphate, ora mixture thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 8, wherein saidchaotropic agent is selected from the group consisting of urea,thiourea, guanidine HCl, guanidine thiocyanate, aminoguanidine HCl, andmixtures thereof.
 11. The composition of claim 1, wherein said secondenhancer is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, lacticacid, malic acid, tartaric acid, salicylic acid, oxalic acid, andmixtures thereof.
 12. A virucidally-enhanced alcoholic compositioncomprising: (a) at least 50 wt. % of a C₁₋₆ alcohol, based upon thetotal weight of the alcoholic composition; (b) a first enhancer selectedfrom the group consisting of cationic oligomers and polymers; and (c) asecond enhancer selected from the group consisting of proton donors,chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof, wherein said enhancers enhancethe efficacy of the alcohol against non-enveloped viruses, and whereinsaid composition includes no more than about 0.1 wt. % of an auxiliaryantimicrobial agent.
 13. A method of inactivating non-enveloped virusparticles, the method comprising: contacting non-enveloped virusparticles with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition comprising(a) at least 50 wt. % of a C₁₋₆ alcohol, based upon the total weight ofthe alcoholic composition; (b) a first enhancer selected from the groupconsisting of polyquatemium polymers, cationic polyalkylene imines,cationic ethoxy polyalkylene imines, cationicpoly[N[3-(dialkylammonio)alkyl]N′[3-(alkyleneoxyalkylenedialkylammonio)alkyl]urea dichloride], vinylcaprolactam/VP/dialkylaminoalkyl alkylate copolymers, and mixturesthereof; and (c) a second enhancer selected from the group consisting ofproton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.
 14. A method ofinactivating non-enveloped virus particles, the method comprising:contacting non-enveloped virus particles with a virucidally-enhancedalcoholic composition comprising (a) at least 50 wt. % of a C₁₋₆alcohol, based upon the total weight of the alcoholic composition; (b)an enhancer selected from the group consisting of polyquatemiumpolymers, cationic polyalkylene imines, cationic ethoxy polyalkyleneimines, cationicpoly[N-[3-(dialkylammonio)alkyl]N′[3-(alkyleneoxyalkylenedialkylammonio)alkyl]urea dichloride], vinylcaprolactam/VP/dialkylaminoalkyl alkylate copolymers, and mixturesthereof; and optionally including from about 0.1 to about 1 wt. % of atleast one auxiliary antimicrobial agent.
 15. The method of claim 14,wherein said auxiliary antimicrobial agent is selected from the groupconsisting of triclosan; chloroxylenol; hexetidine; chlorhexidine salts;salts ofN,N″-Bis(4-chlorophenyl)-3,12-diimino-2,4,11,14-tetraazatetradecanediimidiamide; 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1; 3-diol, benzalkonium chloride;cetylpyridinium chloride; alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides; iodine;phenol derivatives, povidone-iodine; polyvinylpyrrolidinone-iodine;parabens; hydantoins; 2,4-imidazolidinedione;dimethylol-5,5-dimethylhydantoin; phenoxyethanol; quaternium-15;diazolidinyl urea; benzethonium chloride; methylbenzethonium chloride;silver compounds, copper compounds, magnesium compounds, zinc compounds;hydrogen peroxide, chorine dioxide, and mixtures thereof.
 16. The methodof claim 14, wherein said cationic oligomer or polymer includespolyquaternium-2, polyquatemium-4, polyquatemium-5, polyquatemium-6,polyquaternium-7, polyquatemium-10, polyquatemium-11, polyquatemium-16,polyquaternium-22, polyquaternium-24, polyquatemium-28,polyquaternium-32, polyquaternium-37, polyquaternium-39,polyquaternium-42, polyquaternium-43, polyquatemium-44,polyquaternium-46, polyquaternium-47, polyquaternium-51,polyquaternium-53, polyquaternium-55, polyquatemium-57,polyquaternium-58, polyquaternium-59, polyquatemium-60,polyquaternium-63, polyquatemium-64, polyquaternium-65,polyquaternium-68, or mixtures thereof.
 17. The method of claim 14,wherein said method exhibits an increased log reduction against saidnon-enveloped virus particles, when compared to the log reduction of acomposition comprising the same amount of said C₁₋₆ alcohol, but notcomprising said enhancer.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein saidmethod exhibits at least a 1 log reduction against said non-envelopedvirus particles in 60 seconds or less.
 19. The method of claim 14,wherein said method exhibits at least a 3 log reduction against saidnon-enveloped virus particles in 60 seconds or less.
 20. The method ofclaim 14, wherein said non-enveloped virus particles are selected frommembers of the families Picornaviridae, Reoviridae, Caliciviridae,Adenoviridae and Parvoviridae.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein saidnon-enveloped virus particles are selected from adenovirus, felinecalicivirus, norovirus, papillomavirus, poliovirus, rhinovirus,hepatitis A virus, parvovirus, and rotavirus.
 22. The method of claim14, wherein said cationic oligomer or polymer is selected from the groupconsisting of polyquaternium-2, polyquaternium-4, polyquaternium-6,polyquaternium-7, polyquatemium-11, polyquaternium-16, polyquatemium-22,polyquaternium-28, polyquaternium-32, polyquaternium-37,polyquaternium-39, polyquaternium-42, polyquatemium-47,polyquaternium-51, polyquaternium-53, polyquaternium-55,polyquaternium-58, polyquatemium-68, and mixtures thereof.
 23. Themethod of claim 14, wherein said auxiliary antimicrobial agent isselected form copper compounds.